JP7221303B2 - Membrane humidifier for fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for fuel cells, and more particularly, to a membrane humidifier for fuel cells that can perform an airtight function in a high-temperature/high-pressure/high-humidity environment through a mechanical assembly structure.

A fuel cell is a power-generating battery that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. Unlike general chemical batteries such as dry batteries and storage batteries, fuel cells can produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and have the advantage of being twice as efficient as internal combustion engines without heat loss. There is

In addition, since the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, pollutant emissions are low. Therefore, fuel cells have the advantage of being environmentally friendly and reducing the risk of resource depletion due to increased energy consumption.

Such fuel cells can be broadly classified into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), and molten carbonates, depending on the type of electrolyte used. Fuel cells can be classified into Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), and the like.

Each of these fuel cells operates on the same fundamental principle, but differs from each other in the types of fuel used, operating temperatures, catalysts, electrolytes, and the like. Among them, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operates at a lower temperature than other fuel cells and has a high output density and can be miniaturized. It is also known to be the most promising in transportation systems.

One of the most important factors in improving the performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) is the polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA): The water content is maintained by supplying a certain amount or more of water to the PEM). This is because if the polymer electrolyte membrane dries, the power generation efficiency will drop sharply.

Methods for humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane include: 1) a bubbler humidification method in which a pressure vessel is filled with water and the target gas is passed through a diffuser to supply water; and 2) fuel cell reaction. A direct injection method that calculates the amount of water to be supplied and supplies water directly to the gas flow pipe through a solenoid valve, and 3) Membrane humidification that supplies water to the gas flow bed using a polymer separation membrane. There are methods.

Among these, the humidification membrane method is to humidify the polymer electrolyte membrane by providing water vapor to the gas supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane using a membrane that selectively allows only the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to permeate. This is advantageous in that the device can be made lighter and smaller.

The selectively permeable membrane used in the humidified membrane method is preferably a hollow fiber membrane having a large permeation area per unit volume when forming a module. In other words, when manufacturing a membrane humidifier using hollow fiber membranes, it is possible to highly integrate hollow fiber membranes with a large contact surface area, sufficiently humidify a fuel cell even with a small capacity, and use low-cost materials. It can be used, and has the advantage that the moisture and heat contained in the high-temperature off-gas discharged from the fuel cell can be recovered and reused through the humidifier.

On the other hand, in a general membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, a hollow fiber membrane is housed inside a housing portion, and the hollow fiber membrane is adhered to the inner wall of the housing portion by a potting portion. A specific number of hollow fiber membranes are accommodated in the housing part according to the desired output value of the stack, and are adhered and fixed to the housing part by the potting part. High temperature air from the blower and hot and humid air from the stack flow into the fuel cell membrane humidifier. Since the potting part has a high coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal contraction, a gap is generated between the housing part and the potting part, through which air leaks. To prevent this, a sealant is applied between the housing part and the potting part.

When air leaks, the air that flows in from the blower leaks out of the fuel cell membrane humidifier and the amount of air that flows into the stack becomes smaller. As it must be supplied, the blower consumes more power, which leads to system power loss. Therefore, it is advantageous in terms of overall power efficiency to have as little leakage as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell that can perform an airtight function in a high-temperature/high-pressure/high-humidity environment through a mechanical assembly structure.

A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a middle case containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a cap case coupled to the middle case, and a potting portion formed at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. an assembly member disposed between the end portions of the cap case and the middle case to air-tightly connect them; and a projecting portion for airtight coupling between the portion.

The cap case includes a large-diameter portion coupled to the middle case and having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the potting portion, and a small-diameter portion protruding from one surface of the large-diameter portion and having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the potting portion. and preferably include

The assembly member includes a main body disposed between the cap case and the end of the middle case, and an end of the middle case extending from the outer end of the main body in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membranes. and a second leg extending from the inner end of the main body in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane and contacting the inner surface of the end of the middle case. is preferred.

The assembly member may further include a filling portion filled between the protruding portion of the cap case and the second leg portion.

The protrusion of the cap case may be formed to contact the second leg.
It is preferable that a stepped portion for receiving the first leg portion is provided on the outer surface of the end portion of the middle case.

Preferably, the cap case includes a protrusion protruding from a surface facing the end of the middle case.

The protrusion may include a slanted surface formed on an inner surface, and the potting part may include a slanted surface formed on an outer surface and pressed against the slanted surface of the protrusion.

The assembly member may further include a filling portion filled between the protruding portion of the cap case and the second leg portion.

The protrusion of the cap case may be formed to contact the second leg.

It is preferable that a stepped portion for receiving the first leg portion is provided on the outer surface of the end portion of the middle case.
Preferably, the cap case includes a protrusion protruding from a surface facing the end of the middle case.

According to the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention described above, it is possible to perform an airtight function in a high temperature/high pressure/high humidity environment by means of a mechanical assembly structure.

In addition, since it is a mechanical airtight system rather than a chemical airtight system, it is possible to omit the polyurethane/sealant application and curing process required for the conventional chemical airtight system, thereby shortening the working time and improving work efficiency. It is possible to improve and build a mass production system.

In addition, when a unit cartridge disposed inside the membrane humidifier is defective, the reworkability is good and the parts scrap ratio can be reduced.

In addition, the membrane humidifier can be disassembled and reassembled by replacing only the defective cartridge, which is advantageous in terms of reworkability and reuse of parts.

Also, since two or more parts can be air-tightly connected at the same time due to the protrusion structure of the assembling member and the cap case, manufacturing and assembling are very simple and efficient.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly member according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Although the present invention is capable of many transformations and has various implementations, specific implementations will be illustrated and described in detail herein. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to any particular embodiment, but should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents or alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The terminology used in the present invention is only used to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Singular references include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present invention, terms such as 'including' or 'having' are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, acts, components, parts or combinations thereof set forth in the specification; It should not be understood to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, acts, components, parts or combinations thereof. A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are exploded perspective views showing a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a middle case 110, a cap case 120, a potting part 130, and an assembly member 200. FIG.

The middle case 110 is combined with the cap case 120 to form the outline of the membrane humidifier. Middle case 110 and cap case 120 may be made of hard plastic such as polycarbonate or metal. The middle case 110 and the cap case 120 may have a circular cross-sectional shape in the width direction as shown in FIG. 1, or a polygonal cross-sectional shape in the width direction as shown in FIG. The polygon may be a rectangle, square, trapezoid, parallelogram, pentagon, hexagon, etc., and the polygon may have rounded corners. Also, the circular shape may be an elliptical shape. The middle case 110 is formed with a second fluid inlet 112 through which the second fluid is supplied and a second fluid outlet 113 through which the second fluid is discharged. Conversely, "113" may be the second fluid inlet and "112" may be the second fluid outlet.

A hollow fiber membrane module containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is arranged inside the middle case 110 . The hollow fiber membrane module can be a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are integrated, or can include a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges 140 (see FIG. 3) containing hollow fiber membranes. The drawing illustrates the case where the hollow fiber membrane module includes the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140, and does not exclude the case where the hollow fiber membrane module includes the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

The cap case 120 is coupled to both ends of the middle case 110 . A fluid inlet/outlet 121 is formed in each cap case 120 . Among these, one becomes the first fluid inlet and the other becomes the first fluid outlet. The first fluid that has flowed into the fluid inlet/outlet 121 of the cap case 120 on one side passes through the internal conduit of the hollow fiber membranes housed inside the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140, and then flows through the fluid inlet/outlet 121 of the cap case 120 on the other side. expelled through The hollow fiber membrane is made of, for example, Nafion material, polyetherimide material, polyimide (PI) material, polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone (PS) material, or polyethersulfone (PES) material. It can be made into a thread membrane.

When the hollow fiber membrane module includes a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges 140, one side of the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 140 receives the second fluid, which has flowed into the membrane humidifier through the second fluid inlet 112, of the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 140. A first mesh part 142 is formed to flow into the interior, and the second fluid, which has exchanged moisture inside the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140, flows out of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140 on the other side. A second mesh portion (not shown) may be formed.

At both ends of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140 or the hollow fiber membrane bundle, potting parts 130 are formed to fill the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes while bundling the hollow fiber membranes. As a result, both ends of the hollow fiber membrane module are closed by the potting portion 130, and a channel through which the second fluid passes is formed inside. Since the material of the potting part 130 is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification.

3 is a sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an assembly member according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the.

An embodiment in which the hollow fiber membrane module includes the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140 will be described below. Also, although only one hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140 is shown in the drawings, it is not excluded that multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges 140 are included in the membrane humidifier.

The hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140 in FIG. 4 shows one cartridge among a plurality of cartridges arranged inside the case of the membrane humidifier. FIG. 5 shows an assembled member having one cartridge and one potting portion, and the illustrated assembled member 200 has a shape in which a pair of straight portions and a pair of semicircular portions facing each other are connected to each other as a whole. configured to 5(a) is a perspective view seen from the side contacting the cap case 120, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view seen from the opposite side.

The inner surface of the cap case 120 is assembled to be separated from the end 111 of the middle case 110 by the assembly member 200 . In addition, the inner surface of the cap case 120 is assembled so as to be separated from the potting part 130 as well.

The outer surfaces of the potting part 130 and the cartridge 140 are separated from the inner surface of the middle case 110 . Therefore, the second fluid flows in the space between the potting part 130 and the middle case 110 .

The middle case 110 and the cap case 120 are assembled by various fastening methods (not shown) such as a plurality of bolts, pressing, welding, and clamping. Assembly members 200 are now assembled such that they are inserted and crimped therebetween. Since the cross-sectional views in FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings are cross-sectional views taken along a plane that does not pass through fastening portions such as bolts, fastening portions such as bolts are not shown.

As described above, the middle case 110 and the cap case 120 have polygonal or circular cross sections, but the cross-sectional views of FIG.

The cap case 120 is coupled to the middle case 110 and has a large diameter portion 127 having an inner diameter L1 larger than the outer diameter L3 of the potting portion 130, and an inner diameter protruding from one surface of the large diameter portion 127 and smaller than the outer diameter L3 of the potting portion 130. and a reduced diameter portion 129 having L2.

Here, outer diameter and inner diameter and large diameter and small diameter are terms that generally relate to the diameter of a circular pipe and apply to both circular, elliptical, and polygonal membrane humidifier housings. be.

In particular, when the membrane humidifier housing has a polygonal shape, the distance L2 between the facing inner surfaces of the small diameter portion 129 of the cap case 120 where the fluid inlet/outlet 121 is formed is set smaller than the distance L3 between the facing outer surfaces of the potting portion 130 . I can say Therefore, the potting part 130 can be fixed by being compressed in the longitudinal direction by the projection part 125 which will be described later. Such a form of the cap case 120 can be applied as it is to all the following embodiments instead of the first embodiment.

In addition, the distance L3 between the facing outer surfaces of the potting part 130 is smaller than the distance between the facing inner surfaces of the middle case 110, so that the potting part 130 is spaced inside the middle case 110. FIG. Therefore, the assembly member 200 is arranged between the middle case 110 and the potting part 130 , so that the potting part 130 can be fixed to the middle case 110 so as not to move.

The assembly member 200 is arranged between the cap case 120 and the end of the middle case 110 and is assembled so as to be airtightly connected therebetween. A protruding portion 125 hermetically connects the cap case 120 and the potting portion 130 .

The assembly member 200 includes a body portion 210 disposed between the cap case 120 and the end portion of the middle case 110 , and an end portion of the middle case 110 extending from the outer end portion of the body portion 210 in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membranes. A first leg portion 220 that contacts the outer surface of the middle case 111 and a second leg portion 230 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane from the inner end portion of the main body portion 210 and contacts the inner surface of the end portion of the middle case 110 . can contain.

Although the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 shows that the pair of assembly members 200 are arranged symmetrically, in reality, the assembly member 200 formed as a single body has a quadrangular ring shape as a whole. It can be understood that it is formed as

The body part 210 is arranged to be pressed by the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the end part 111 of the middle case 110 .

Referring to FIG. 3, the first leg part 220 extends downward from the outer end of the body part 210, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane, and contacts the outer surface of the end part 111 of the middle case 110. are arranged as follows.

The second leg portion 230 extends downward from the inner end portion of the main body portion 210 , that is, in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane, and is arranged to contact the inner surface of the end portion 111 of the middle case 110 .

Accordingly, a groove into which the end portion of the middle case 110 is inserted may be formed between the first leg portion 220 and the second leg portion 230 .

Also, the outer surface of the first leg portion 220 may contact the inner surface of the cap case 120, but may not contact as shown.

A stepped portion 115 for receiving the first leg portion 220 may be provided on the outer surface of the end portion 111 of the middle case 110 . Accordingly, the outer surface of the middle case 110 and the outer surface of the first leg portion 220 can be substantially flush with each other.

The protruding portion 125 extends from the inside of the cap case 120 toward the potting portion 130 , that is, in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane, and presses the edge of the potting portion 130 . The protrusion 125 may extend longer than the distance from the inner surface of the cap case 120 to one side of the potting part 130 . In general, since the potting part 130 is made of a softer material than the cap case 120, the potting part 130 compresses the cap case 120 and shrinks during assembly.

In FIG. 3, the state before the edge of the potting part 130 is crimped by the protrusion 125 is shown in dotted lines. That is, when the potting part 130 is pressed by the protrusion 125, the edges of the potting part 130 are contracted to a predetermined depth by the protrusion 125, so that the gap between them can be airtightly connected.

Although the protrusion 125 is shown as two members in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, it is actually formed integrally with the cap case 120 and formed to have a polygonal or circular rib shape. . The outer surface of the protruding part 125 may be formed to be flush with the outer surfaces of the potting part 130 and the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 140 .

Also, the cap case 120 preferably includes a protrusion 123 protruding from a surface facing the end of the middle case 110 . The protrusion 123 may be formed to have a semicircular cross section or a rib shape of various shapes. The protrusion 123 not only further presses the main body 210 of the assembly member 200 to improve airtightness, but also serves to fix the main body 210 so that it does not move during the press-fitting process.

According to the membrane humidifier of the first embodiment, the assembly member 200 airtightly connects the end of the middle case 110 and the cap case 120, and at the same time, the projecting portion 125 of the cap case 120 connects the cap case 120 and the potting portion. 130 can be hermetically coupled.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a second embodiment of the invention. The membrane humidifier according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the assembly member 200 further includes a filling portion 250 filled between the protruding portion 125 of the cap case 120 and the second leg portion 230 .

As previously described, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-10 show a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in cartridges 140, one or more of which are located inside middle case 110. FIG.

As described above, since the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the potting part 130 are spaced apart from each other, the filling part 250 is filled between the protruding part 125 of the cap case 120 and the second leg part 230 . It is formed. Accordingly, it is possible to further prevent the second fluid that has flowed into the space between the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the cartridge 140 from leaking to the fluid inlet/outlet port 121 without passing through the hollow fiber membranes.

The vertical length of the filling part 250 may be the same as the length of the protrusion 125 or the length of the second leg part 230, as shown in FIG. 3, the lengths of the first leg portion 220 and the second leg portion 230 are longer than the length of the protrusion 125. It can also be formed to have the same length. In this case, the vertical length of the filling part 250 may be the same as the lengths of the second leg part 230 and the protruding part 125 .

The assembly member 200 is made of a soft material having a hardness lower than that of the cap case 120, and the width of the filling portion 250 is slightly larger than the width between the inner surface of the second leg portion 230 and the outer surface of the protrusion 125. It can be crimped and shrunk at the time of .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a third embodiment of the invention. The membrane humidifier according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the protruding portion 125 of the cap case 120 is formed to contact the second leg portion 230 .

In the case of the first embodiment, the outer surface of the protrusion 125 is flush with the outer surface of the potting part 130, but in the case of the third embodiment, the thickness of the protrusion 125 in the lateral direction is much thicker. Its outer surface comes into contact with the inner surface of the second leg portion 230 of the assembly member 200 .

Therefore, the space between the inner surface of the protrusion 125 and the end portion 111 of the middle case 110 can be completely filled with the protrusion 125 and the assembly member 200 . Accordingly, it is possible to further prevent the second fluid that has flowed into the space between the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the cartridge 140 from leaking to the fluid inlet/outlet port 121 without passing through the hollow fiber membranes.

Although the vertical length of the protrusion 125 is smaller than the vertical length of the assembly member 200, it may be formed to have the same length as the assembly member 200. FIG.

In addition, the projection 123 formed on the inner surface of the cap case 120 crimps the body portion 210, so that the body portion 210 reliably and airtightly couples the cap case 120 and the end portion 111 of the middle case 110. can.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The membrane humidifier according to the fourth embodiment includes a slanted surface 126 formed on the inner surface of the protrusion 125 , and the potting part 130 is formed slanted on the outer surface and pressed against the slanted surface 126 of the protrusion 125 . It differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an inclined surface 132 that extends downward.

A sloped surface 126 is formed on the inner surface of the protrusion 125 , and sloped surfaces 132 are formed on both corners of the upper end of the potting part 130 . Since the inclined surface 132 of the potting part 130 is inserted into the inclined surface 126 of the protruding part 125 and press-fitted during assembly, airtightness between the cap case 120 and the potting part 130 can be improved.

In general, since the hardness of the cap case 120 is higher than that of the potting portion 130, the inclined surface 126 of the protruding portion 125 presses the inclined surface 132 of the potting portion 130 to contract during assembly.

Since the slanted portions are pressed against each other between the protruding portion 125 of the cap case 120 and the potting portion 130, airtightness can be further improved compared to other embodiments.

Also, the inclined surface 126 of the protrusion 125 and the inclined surface 132 of the potting part 130 may be formed at the same time, or the inclined surface 126 may be formed only on the protrusion 125 . In this case, since the hardness of the protrusion 125 is higher than that of the potting portion 130, the sloped surface 126 of the protrusion 125 presses the corner of the potting portion 130 to form a sloped surface.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The membrane humidifier according to the fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the assembly member 200 further includes a filling portion 250 filled between the protruding portion 125 of the cap case 120 and the second leg portion 230 .

As described above, since the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the potting part 130 are spaced apart, the filling part 250 is formed to fill between the protruding part 125 of the cap case 120 and the second leg part 230 . be done. Accordingly, it is possible to further prevent the second fluid that has flowed into the space between the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the cartridge 140 from leaking to the fluid inlet/outlet port 121 without passing through the hollow fiber membranes.

The vertical length of the filling part 250 may be the same as the length of the protrusion 125 as shown in FIG. 9, or may be the same as the length of the second leg part 230 . 9, the first leg part 220 and the second leg part 230 are longer than the protrusion 125, but the length of the first leg part 220 and the second leg part 230 are longer than the protrusion 125. It can also be formed to have the same length. In this case, the vertical length of the filling part 250 may be the same as the lengths of the second leg part 230 and the protruding part 125 .

The assembly member 200 is made of a soft material having a hardness lower than that of the cap case 120, and the width of the filling portion 250 is formed slightly larger than the width between the inner surface of the second leg portion 230 and the outer surface of the protrusion 125, so that it can be easily assembled. It can be crimped and contracted.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a membrane humidifier according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The membrane humidifier according to the sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the protruding portion 125 of the cap case 120 is formed to contact the second leg portion 230 .

In the case of the fourth embodiment, the outer surface of the protrusion 125 is flush with the outer surface of the potting part 130, but in the case of the sixth embodiment, the protrusion 125 is formed to be much thicker in the lateral direction. Its outer surface comes into contact with the inner surface of the second leg portion 230 of the assembly member 200 .

Therefore, the space between the inner surface of the protrusion 125 and the end portion 111 of the middle case 110 can be completely filled with the protrusion 125 and the assembly member 200 . Accordingly, it is possible to further prevent the second fluid that has flowed into the space between the inner surface of the cap case 120 and the cartridge 140 from leaking to the fluid inlet/outlet port 121 without passing through the hollow fiber membranes.

Although the vertical length of the protrusion 125 is formed to be smaller than the vertical length of the assembly member 200 , it may be formed to have the same length as the assembly member 200 .

In addition, in the membrane humidifiers according to the fifth and sixth embodiments, the assembly member 200 includes a body part 210, a first leg part 220 and a second leg part 230, and the inner surface of the projection part 125 has an inclined surface. , and a protrusion 123 protruding from the inner surface of the cap case 120 facing the end 111 of the middle case 110 presses the main body 210, which is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional components may be added without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. , changes, deletions, additions, etc., can be variously modified and changed, which are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Fuel cell membrane humidifiers including assembly members according to various embodiments of the present invention can perform an airtight function in a high temperature/high pressure/high humidity environment due to the mechanical assembly structure.

In addition, since it is a mechanical airtight system rather than a chemical airtight system, it is possible to omit the polyurethane/sealant application and curing process required for the conventional chemical airtight system, thereby shortening the working time and improving work efficiency. It is possible to improve and build a mass production system.

In addition, when a unit cartridge disposed inside the membrane humidifier is defective, the reworkability is good and the parts scrap ratio can be reduced.

In addition, since the membrane humidifier can be disassembled and reassembled by replacing only the defective cartridge, it is advantageous in terms of reworkability and reuse of parts.
Also, since two or more parts can be air-tightly connected at the same time due to the protrusion structure of the assembling member and the cap case, manufacturing and assembling are very simple and efficient.

Claims (12)

middle case and
a cap case coupled with the middle case;
a cartridge disposed within the middle case;
The cartridge contains a plurality of hollow fiber membranes,
the cartridge has a mesh portion through which fluid can flow into or out of the cartridge;
A potting portion is provided at the end of the cartridge, and the potting portion is formed to bind the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and fill the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes,
an assembly member disposed between the cap case and the end of the middle case to air-tightly connect therebetween;
a projecting portion extending from the inside of the cap case toward the edge of the potting portion to hermetically connect the cap case and the potting portion;
A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, wherein both the outer surface of the potting portion and the outer surface of the cartridge are spaced apart from the inner surface of the middle case. The cap case includes a large-diameter portion coupled to the middle case and having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the potting portion, and a small-diameter portion protruding from one surface of the large-diameter portion and having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the potting portion. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, characterized by comprising: The assembly members are
a main body disposed between the cap case and the end of the middle case;
a first leg extending in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane from the outer end of the main body and in contact with the outer surface of the end of the middle case;
3. The fuel according to claim 2, further comprising a second leg extending in the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane from the inner end of the main body and contacting the inner surface of the end of the middle case. Membrane humidifier for batteries. 4. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the assembly member further comprises a filling portion filled between the protruding portion of the cap case and the second leg portion. 4. The membrane humidifier of claim 3, wherein the protruding portion of the cap case is formed to contact the second leg portion. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a step portion for accommodating the first leg portion is provided on the outer surface of the end portion of the middle case. 7. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the cap case includes a projection protruding from a surface facing the end of the middle case. the projection includes an inclined surface formed obliquely on the inner surface,
4. The membrane humidifier as set forth in claim 3, wherein the potting part includes an inclined surface that is obliquely formed on an outer surface thereof and press-fitted to the inclined surface of the protrusion. 9. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 8, wherein the assembly member further comprises a filling portion filled between the protruding portion of the cap case and the second leg portion. 9. The membrane humidifier of claim 8, wherein the protruding portion of the cap case is formed to contact the second leg portion. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein a stepped portion for accommodating the first leg portion is provided on the outer surface of the end portion of the middle case. 12. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the cap case includes a projection protruding from a surface facing the end of the middle case.

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